7 Reasons Why Vitamin D is Essential for Your Kids Growth
Written by Pakhi Rewri | October 1, 2024
Introduction
A healthy diet is made up of different types of nutrients. This includes protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Each of these plays a specific role in the overall functioning of the body. The lack of any of these may lead to the development of different kinds of diseases.
Vitamin D also known as cholecalciferol is an important micronutrient essential for boosting immunity. It is naturally found in different types of food items, like cholera, fish, tofu, and cheese. It can also be consumed in the form of supplement tablets for optimum health. There are several health benefits associated with Vitamin D. As per NIH, Vitamin D can aid the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the body.
Why Is Vitamin D Important For Kids
According to Springer Nature in 2023, regular vitamin D consumption may provide immunity to the body against a lot of chronic health problems. This may include bone-related disorders, inflammation, muscle pain, and calcium deficiency. Here are some of the top reasons why consuming some form of vitamin D is important for the growth of a child.
Bone Health
As per nutrients published in 2010, vitamin D can play a crucial role in the formation of bones among kids. Further, it is essential for the maintenance of strong and healthy bones. It helps in the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract which is imperative for good bone health. Moreover, it may also support bone repair and help in the regrowth of bones whenever needed. Problems like rickets can be avoided if one consumes enough vitamin D.
Immune Health
As per the Author Manuscript published in 2012, vitamin D is essential for the regulation of immune responses. It ensures that the immune system responds accurately to pathogens and other potential invaders. It may also aid the immune system's ability to fight against infections. Moreover, it may also help in boosting the production of peptides that may defend the body against bacteria and viruses. It may also enhance the production of RBCs and WBCs in the body of a child.
Muscle Function
According to research published in Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Diseases, vitamin D consumption is essential for maintaining muscle strength. It can also support the contraction and relaxation of muscles by improving their performance. It can also help with muscle fatigue, weakness, and fall. Optimal vitamin D consumption can also lead to muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
Mental Health
As per diseases published in 2024, low vitamin D levels can lead to anxiety and depression. This is because vitamin D is responsible for the regulation of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin. Both of these are essential for regulating the mood of a person. Additionally, vitamin D may also support a person's ability to organise memories and learn. Lack of vitamin D can lead to inflammation, which can further lead to mood disorders and bad mental health.
Cardiovascular Health
As per Cureus published in 2023, if a person doesn't consume enough vitamin D, then it may lead to calcium imbalances. In some cases, imbalanced calcium levels may lead to heart-related disorders. Vitamin D consumption plays a key role in the regulation of blood pressure. It may also reduce inflammation and protect the blood vessels from any kind of clogging. It may also help in cleaning arteries and any kind of buildup in the walls.
Glowing Skin
Vitamin D can support a strong and healthy skin barrier by playing a crucial role in skin cell growth and its repair. As per the Journal of Advanced Repair, dull skin can be a result of internal inflammation and low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D can promote glowing skin by improving the skin tone as well as texture. It can also prevent damage due to UV rays and reduce the risk of eczema. Fish is one of the best sources of Vitamin D and also has lots of antioxidants that makes it great for skin.
Metabolic Health
As per Author Manuscript published in 2015, vitamin D can help in regulation of insulin sensitivity in the body. This may lead to better management of blood, sugar levels, and prevention of type two diabetes. By tackling inflammation, vitamin D may also reduce the risk of obesity and insulin resistance. It can also help the body break down and metabolise fat. For people in their pre-diabetic stage, vitamin D supplements can reduce the progression to type two diabetes.
Conclusion
There are numerous benefits linked with consumption of vitamin D. However, before adding anything to one's diet, it is always better to consult a nutritionist or a doctor. This should be done specifically if one is undergoing any sort of medical treatment. Some of the best sources of Vitamin D are natural sunlight, fish, eggs, fish liver oil, and some more. One may choose from these.